Lanceleaf Tickseed

What you'll need:

Lanceleaf Tickseed seeds or young plants (available at garden centers or online)

A sunny spot in your garden or a large pot with drainage holes

Regular garden soil (it doesn’t need to be fancy—just well-draining soil)

A small hand trowel or shovel (or even a big spoon if you’re using pots!)

Watering can or hose

When to start:

Spring is the ideal time to plant Lanceleaf Tickseed. If you live in a warmer climate, you can also plant in early fall. The key is to avoid extreme heat or frost.

Choosing the right spot:

This plant loves sunshine! Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. It’s pretty hardy and doesn’t need rich soil, so even poor or sandy soil works fine. Just make sure the soil drains well because it doesn’t like soggy roots.

If you're planting seeds:

1. Scatter the seeds lightly over the soil where you want them to grow. You don’t need to bury them too deep—just press them gently into the surface.
2. Lightly sprinkle some soil on top, just enough to cover the seeds but not too thick.
3. Water the area gently so the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
4. Keep an eye on them, and within 1-3 weeks, you should see little sprouts popping up!

If you're using young plants:

1. Dig a hole that’s about as deep as the root ball of the plant and twice as wide.
2. Gently place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
3. Fill the hole back with soil and pat it down lightly around the base of the plant.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle in.

Spacing tip:

Leave about 12-18 inches between each plant. This gives them room to spread out and show off their beautiful flowers without overcrowding.

Watering:

• Once established, Lanceleaf Tickseed is pretty drought-tolerant, meaning it doesn’t need constant watering.
• For the first few weeks after planting, water regularly to help the roots settle. After that, only water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
• When you do water, make sure to soak the soil deeply rather than just sprinkling—it encourages deeper root growth.

Deadheading for more blooms:

• As the flowers start to fade, pinch or cut off the old blooms. This process, called deadheading, encourages the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season.
• Use your fingers or small scissors to remove the spent flowers just above a leaf node.

Fertilizer:

• Honestly, this plant doesn’t need much fertilizer. If you feel like giving it a boost, use a light, all-purpose fertilizer once at the beginning of the growing season.
• Too much fertilizer can actually lead to more leaves and fewer flowers, which isn’t what we want!

Pests and problems:

• This plant is pretty tough, but keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites. If you notice any tiny bugs, spray the plant with a mix of water and a few drops of dish soap.
• If the leaves turn yellow or the plant looks droopy, it might be getting too much water. Let the soil dry out a bit before watering again.

Do I harvest Lanceleaf Tickseed?

Well, technically, you don’t “harvest” this plant like you would vegetables. But if you’d like to collect seeds for next year or share them with friends, here’s how:

1. Allow some of the flowers to fade naturally and form seed heads.
2. Once the seed heads are dry and brown, gently break them open and collect the small seeds inside.
3. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place (like an envelope or small jar) until you’re ready to plant them again.

Using the flowers:

You can also cut a few stems to bring indoors for a cheerful bouquet! Just snip the flower stem close to the base, and put it in a vase with water. These bright yellow blooms will last a few days indoors.

End of season care:

In late fall, after the plant has finished blooming and the foliage starts to die back, you can trim it down to about 2-3 inches from the ground. This helps tidy things up for winter, and the plant will come back strong next spring.

Q: How often should I water my Lanceleaf Tickseed?

A: Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, so you only need to water when the soil feels dry. In the first few weeks after planting, water a bit more frequently to help the roots settle in.

Q: Can I grow Lanceleaf Tickseed in a pot?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure the pot is large enough (at least 12 inches wide) and has good drainage holes. It’s a great option for adding color to patios or balconies.

Q: Why aren’t my flowers blooming?

A: If your plant isn’t blooming, it could be due to too much shade or too much fertilizer. Make sure it’s getting plenty of sun, and avoid over-fertilizing—this plant prefers lean soil.

Q: Is Lanceleaf Tickseed deer-resistant?

A: Yes! Deer usually leave this plant alone, making it a great choice if you live in an area with lots of wildlife.

Q: Do I need to divide the plant?

A: Not really. Unlike some perennials, Lanceleaf Tickseed doesn’t need regular dividing. However, if the center of the plant starts to die out or it gets too crowded, you can divide it in early spring.